Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Our three children are now five, eight and ten years old. It seems like only yesterday that they were learning to let go of the couch and coffee table and walk unassisted. My wife and I would sit just far enough away from the toddler-to-be holding out our arms uttering words of encouragement so that they would feel a sense of trust while taking those daring first steps. What joy it was when each discovered the sureness in their ability to walk.

From their first steps we moved to their first day of preschool. I'll always remember walking up to the school with each child's hand tenderly cusped in mine. Though what lay ahead was a bit uncertain (for me and for them), the gentle hand-hold embrace brought confidence on the path to new relationships and learning.

These kinds of holy moments remind us of the confidence that God provides through a loving outreach of arms and a gentle embrace—instilling trust and gladness in our hearts.

Pondering the trust of the psalmist, we might ask, "How is my trust and gladness in the Lord?"

Lord God, you are our refuge and hope. Create anew in our lives the joy of your presence and help us to share your hand with the world. Amen.

Psalm 16 (NRSV)

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." 3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. 4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. 5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. 7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

This God Pause daily devotion is brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary.

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.